King Michael of Romania and Michael of Romania his only son MichaelofRomania.com Home King Michael of Romania has only one son Michael II of Romania who is also known as Mihai Von Hohenzollern II. Michael II descends from Queen Victoria, and the Prussian House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, which provided Romania’s first King, Carol I. King Michael I abdicated on December 30, 1947 and went into exile during communism. Michael II was exiled and raised under protection in United States. Mihai II is proud of his children and grand children that all continue to live in the United States. Now living in California, he continues to promote the interests and culture of his Romanian homeland and considers Bucharest his hometown. This is the official web site authorized by Michael II of Romania. Michael II is the Head of House for the Romanian branch of the Hohenzollern line by agnatic primogeniture law after the abdication of Michael I in 1947. However Mihai continues refer to his Father as King Michael out of respect only. You may contact Michael’s office at Mihai Von Hohenzollern II on facebook.

Contact Michael II's office: Regele Mihai a fost silit să abdice la 30 decembrie 1947. Mihai II este singurul fiu al regele Mihai I al României. Mihai II s-a născut în Elveţia şi a fost crescut în America. Prin Legea salică, Mihai II devenit șeful Casei Regale de România după abdicarea tatălui său la 30 decembrie 1947.....JR, Site Administrator Title Corrected Nicolas Medforth-Mills Recently my nephew had his title removed by my father, Former King Michael I. The act did not surprise me in the least. This is an expected action; for my nephew should never have been placed in a position of succession. Many people may find the concept of royalty to be defunct, but the reality is quite the opposite. Holding the proper title is a serious position and enables the person do very positive and powerful work for the public. As has been explained in previous articles, when my Father abdicated, that position was forwarded to me.

Also, it is most imperative to say, that with all respect to my Father, he was not given proper and accurate information concerning my person after I was evacuated to the United States. He now has the proper knowledge of me and my intent. I am in agreement with him on the matter of my nephew's correction of position. The Kennedy Glasses a Gift From the White House Michael II's Personal Collection: The Kennedy Glasses and Jacqueline Kennedy With The Glasses Our Mother was not Royal, this I have already stated, but the maternal side of our family are American and the United States does not recognize titles of nobility; rather American ideals are that to embrace public service for the benefit of all. Our Mother served the people of the United States through high levels of work that did not allow for public accolades. Her funeral was marked with a flyover by F15s. She could only receive such an honor and acknowledgment posthumously. Our Mother gave myself and my Sister Princess Margarita much to be proud of. Our Mother believed in service, and her work placed her and family at certain government events, which included President John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

The photo is of the glasses she passed to me, that were the glasses used by President Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline during the inauguration. My Mother had valuable things, but the gift of these modest glasses were precious to her and reminded her of an exciting time in her career and of the new possibilities and change that the Kennedy administration began. World War II: So Much Stolen Reflecting on the recent movie “ Woman in Gold ” involving Maria Altmann's fight against the Austrian government to reclaim what was stolen during WWII. The true title of the painting is “ Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I ” and the name 'The Woman In Gold' robbed Ms. Bloch-Bauer of her of her identity. Identity is a very basic right. The movie was a testament to truth, trials, tribulation, and over coming fear. However, the fight for justice and believing in yourself is an inspiration. My campaign to gain my rightful identity and return to truth, involves identity theft and turning very serious wrongs around. The movie showed a lot of aspects that I had to face as a young child and as an adult; however in the end my position will prevail. I want it to be understood that this is not vengeance against my father in any way.

It is simply the truth and justice. I will never withdraw in defeat; quite the opposite. That said, it is also important to point out that this is not just about the Romania Royal Family. Other closely related royal families as well as governments were and are very involved in the wrong doings. As the truths are further revealed, many will hang their heads in shame. I have always worked for and with the people, and Romanians will see this. The people will be the judge. The Decoys: The Prince and the Paupers The maneuver to take young Michael II out of Europe involved security and protection. Situating him in a rural part of the east coast and giving him a new identity was one aspect. However, there was the sad situation of the the stand-ins. The unsuspecting boys were adopted into a family in the Washington DC area, and one into a family in Germany. If danger arose the paper trail would lead to one of these boys. These decoys would most likely end up the target if danger came knocking at the door. Michael II expressed, “I understand how terrible and dark this reality was; valuing one child's life above that of another child's.

There is no adequate way the people responsible can compensate these men for how they were used. It is regretful... the politics of war is ugly. I wouldn't be surprised if another decoy was found to have been placed in Canada or the United Kingdom” Our Mother's Enduring Personality Our mother was a very petite beautiful woman, with an unassuming presence that people gravitated to. She was intelligent and witty with a laugh that one would never forget. Her classic elegance made quite a statement. She moved through life without wearing her experiences on her sleeve. The terrible hurtful darkness she must have felt to be forced to give up her children. A daughter she would never see, and a son to be raised in a way she never approved of; but was forced to remain silent. The political pressures were intense. However, the victors don't always have the last say. The Web of Corruption The discovery, exposure, and discussion of corruption is an important element in the world today. I will begin relating the corruption associated with myself. The two fold importance is not only the relevance to me, but also to the people so they are aware. Our Mother My sister and I were born just a few minutes apart. I was named after my father and an uncle.

Our mother once said that Margaret was her favorite name and so my sister Margarita was given that name after our Mother's close friend and sister in-law Aunt Margaret. Our Mother was a patriot so she entered the war effort by joining the intelligence service. She was fluent in Slavic languages, as well as French. Our mother's family was a perfect example of what used to be referred to as a government family. There were other members of the family working in Washington in various branches of intelligence; and of course it was taboo to discuss this topic. The service recruited within the family and harnessed that family loyalty to serve the government: working with who you know and can control. Our mother was the highest ranking in the family, working domestically and abroad, with family only having a vague knowledge of her whereabouts. I remember her working in Washington at the Pentagon as a liaison. She was not royal, but was our father's equal and became his wife when she became pregnant with us. This of course is when our father's life became complicated among royal circles. This is also the point where corruption and greed began to disrupt my life. It is time to discuss what happened plainly and in direct terms.

Our mother said that giving up her children was the darkest period of her life. The Pope Objects To A Second Marriage To Princess Anne The fact that Pope Pius XII objected to the marriage of our Father and Princess Anne is still a question asked. The simple truth is that Pope Pius did not take issue that our Step Mother is Catholic and our Father is Orthodox. The Pontiff’s objection was very simple that our Father's first marriage produced children; myself and my sister Margarita, and thus the first marriage to our Mother remained valid. Though our Grandmother “Queen Mother Helen” pounded her fists in her meeting with Pope Pius he would not give his blessing to a new and hastily arranged second marriage to Princess Anne. The truth is really quite simple. Pope Pius Stands Firm, Princess Anne Should Not Marry a Man Who Is Already Married Ownership of Responsibility It is well understood and explained that as a young boy, Michael was brought to the states for security, stability, and privacy. However, at this point as time has marched forward, his life and background has been revealed and is of international interest. Responsibility for his safe return and reunion with his people is not just the responsibility of Romania, but of many and most Royal Families of Europe.

Accountability for such an injustice rests on many shoulders. The people would be shocked to know the identity of some of those proud, but shriveling, shoulders. Remember, all secrets eventually are revealed. A Dangerous Post-War World For Michael II of Romania In Post-War Europe Romanovs Male Romanovs Were In Real Danger Including The Hohenzollerns Michael II rarely responds to personal questions, however he is pleased to respond to the confusion regarding his separation from his twin sister and his family. His response was, “It is easy to forget the political situation of Europe in the late 40,s right after such a terrible and devastating war. Though the Romanian Royal Family was responsible for liberating Romania from the Ottoman Empire, bringing the country out of a dark age and modernizing the country before World War II, the memory of the Royal Family's efforts were virtually erased during communism. With the the line of succession resting on the male child of the last Romanian King, there was a very real danger from the Stalinist regime in Moscow, as well as the post war regime in Bucharest.

As the head of one of the two surviving lines of the Romanovs, my family was well aware of the desire to exterminate Royals; as was the fate of Tzar Nicolas II and his family. The Soviet Empire wanted to keep Romania within the Eastern Block, and a male heir to the Romanian throne was a potential threat that could be easily managed by assassinating a child. Hiding me was not so difficult, considering the technologies and constraints on the news media of the time. Therefore, it was both easy and essential to hide the child king. In recent years with the forthcomings of Edward Snowden and others, it is important to not be naive to the will of government forces protecting secrets and betrayals. Royal Twins There is often confusion of the differences between fraternal and identical twins. Identical twins are genetically identical and are essentially mirror images of each other; and of course are of the same gender. On the other hand, fraternal twins are siblings born together, and although they may look much alike they are genetically different and can be born of opposite genders, as with Michael II and Princess Magarita. Giving birth to twins is often a trait that runs in the family, as is the case for Michael and Margarita's Mother.

As for Michael II, his appearance favors the Hohenzollerns back to Ferdinand and Carol II; more than his own Father does. It is equally interesting and gratifying that his Sister Princess Margarita looks so much like their deceased Mother, who Michael and his children were able to know so well near the end of her life. “Our Mother was always reluctant to talk about the past, but described having to give up her children as an unbearable dark time in her life.” Michael also notes about his Mother “She was truly treated terribly by our Father and even worse by my Grandmother Queen Helen... There is much to be corrected and there are no innocents living in my Father's house.” Parenting and Values of Michael I of Romania Michael II responds to the neglect issue by stating, “Certainly there is no excuse for not accepting parental responsibility. However, regardless of marital and political issues at the time of the birth of myself and my sister, there have been many opportunities to put things right. That said others must shoulder the blame with my Father. There were and are many Royal Houses in Europe with knowledge of the situation and in recent years they have had the opportunity to communicate. They have protected each other.

I make exception to Denmark and appreciate the response and assistance. This statement comes at the time of the date strategically chosen for the official birthday for myself and my sister, March 26, 1949. A date that would be an acceptable match for the marriage date of our Father to Princess Anne. We are indeed older and not born in March.” The True Life of Michael I of Romania: Duping the Public There is not a society or culture that condones the abandonment of a child. How a person cares for their child is the reflection of ones true character and where they should belong in society. Michael II has been asked to comment about his exile and he has been generous to his Father and has given him plenty of opportunity to show a change in maturity and of character. However it is time to bring the truth forward and dispel the fairytail of the white knight that married a Danish princess. Michael II will begin to publicly reflect on the past, a life in exile, and the greed that has protected a false king. The False King: Michael I of Romania People automatically assume that when a person of power makes decisions, they actually have the authority to make such decisions. Former King Michael I portrays that he is still head of the Romanian Royal Family.

Abdication is final. Salic law was intact and applicable when he abdicated in 1947. Therefore his title was passed to his only son and first born. Former King Michael I did not have the authority to change or attempt to change Salic law and place Princess Margarita in a position above her twin brother. The line of succession is to be determined by Michael II; and he has his line. Saving The Line of The Romanian Royal Family It has been a recurring question as why Michael was brought to the United States and did not remain in Europe. As head of the Romanian Royal Family since his Father's abdication, Michael II's safety became the key issue. Early, when communism had just been forced upon the Romanian people the only male child of the Royal line was a danger to the new regime and Stalinist tactics were a very real concern in Europe. Also the American operative closely tied to the family took the responsibility of rescuing, protecting, and safely bringing Michael into exile in the United States. She was also instrumental in the development and implementation of his cover. The Woman Who Saved The Romanian Royal Family Line Don't lie, but don't tell everything you know...Don't act too smart...

A young child has not yet mastered the science of rationalizing or lying; they are innocent. For Michael he learned enough at a young age not to trust. A young child has a mind that takes in everything and remembers perfectly, however he knew not to disclose his memories to his protector. For Michael the memories are vivid of the people connected to his early years; from his family to the time with the order that protected him. Perhaps that is where he developed the skill to hide and be very silent. “I could hide directly in front of someone and not be seen”. How to blend in was a key for his safety. Where do you safely hide the boy that is head of the Romanian Royal Family so he will blend in and not be found? His American adventure would begin briefly in Washington D.C. and from there his hiding place; very rural New England. The transition was not an easy. New environment and many new faces. An major element of the strategy was a new name. Michael spent a lot of time rebuking this and remembers repeatedly say, “ That IS not my name.” it was difficult to accept the changes.

"The first time I met you you couldn't speak English well and you brought M&Ms" is how Michael's cousin and childhood friend remembers the arrival. "That was at XXXXXXX's home on XXXXXXX in Washington.... you broke a lamp." It was all so unfamiliar and frightening for a small boy. This is where the drop off occurred and Michael would leave for rural New England to begin a new life with a new name in America, but it would never feel quite like home. "That is not my name!" Michael also had to adjust to being alone. The connection twins have with one another is well known. The studies of twins who have been separated from a young age are particularly interesting.... Even into his early adulthood, people would try to dispel the notion of a twin; but Michael never gave into the game. "Twins are very sensitive to each other and my Sister is no exception. As one of my children looks just like her I am constantly reminded of my sister and our connection." Along with an entire new venue young Micheal II also had to adjust to being moved around a lot. It was as if he was lulled into a very false sense of reality.

A few years ago a confession was made to him by a person who was close to him during those difficult young years. “ I always felt bad for you because you never had a childhood.....you had to grow up quickly. You were moved around and had to live with total strangers; for your protection.” King Michael - definition of King Michael by The Free Dictionary King Michael - definition of King Michael by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Mi·chael (mī′kəl) n. An archangel who appears in the Hebrew Scriptures as a protector of the Jews and in the New Testament as a leader of the angels in their war against Satan. [Hebrew mîkā'ēl, who (is) like God? : mî, who; see my1 in the Appendix of Semitic roots + kā, like + 'ēl, God; see ʔl in the Appendix of Semitic roots.] Michael n 1. (Biography) 1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty 2.

(Biography) born 1921, king of Romania (1927–30, as part of a three-part regency; 1940–47), who relinquished the throne (1930–40) in favour of his father, Carol II. He led the coup d'état that overthrew (1944) Antonescu but was forced to abdicate (1947) by the Communists 3. (Biography) Saint Michael Bible one of the archangels. Feast day: Sept 29 or Nov 8 Mi•chael Romanian Abdication | Twilight Strategy Romanian Abdication Romanian Abdication 1947 King Michael I, a westernized monarch, was forced to abdicate his throne at gunpoint. Romania was thereafter declared a democratic socialist republic. After the death of its first communist leader, Gheorghiu-Dej, Romania was ruled by Nicolae Ceausescu, second only to Stalin in cruelty to his own people. Time: Early War Removed after event: Yes As USSR An unimportant event. No decent US player contests Romania, and so this card is always played for Ops.

Occasionally it might be headlined, if you’re deathly afraid of Defectors and have nothing better to dump, or if you need a European non-battleground ASAP. The only thing to keep an eye out for is Independent Reds. You’ll almost always want to trigger Independent Reds first rather than give the US 3 influence in a country bordering the USSR. This is especially true if Truman Doctrine is not out, since the US would have the option of playing to take Romania and +1VP each time Europe Scoring comes out. As US I’m happy to play this as soon as I can, so that Independent Reds can be merely situational instead of worthless. Although the Romania Abdication/Independent Reds/Truman Doctrine combo is nice, it’s not worth it to pursue it on your own. If you play Romanian Abdication, and the USSR plays Independent Reds later, then hey, why not Truman away the 3 influence for Romania. But it’s otherwise not worth 3 Ops and 2 Action Rounds to score +1 VP on Europe Scoring. One Response to Romanian Abdication paddyodoors January 3, 2012 at 10:56 am Spot on.

An addition: one consideration for Romanian Abdication that I have as either the US or the USSR player is the event’s interaction with Destalinization. As the US player, if I have Romanian Abdication in my hand on T1, I will generally hold off on playing it until late in the turn or after Destalinization is played (if at all), in the hopes of not giving the USSR free IPs which he can reposition with ease. After T1, the USSR player should have an easy time regardless of whether R.A. has been played, so as the US I wouldn’t delay playing the card any more. As the USSR player, I will generally hope to have this event sooner rather than later so that Destalinization is made even easier. However, I would not hold off triggering Destal just to wait for R.A. The one instance where I could see doing that is if, during T1, I am under the Red Scare/Purge and I have both Romania and Destal; in that situation, my IP placement for T1 is going to be pretty slim, so the 3 free IPs from R.A. would go a long way to a successful Destal. None of these considerations are huge.

Just something to consider when all other things are being equal. King Michael I of Romania, the reign and the exile King Michael I of Romania, the reign and the exile Updated on October 23, 2011 Michael, King of Romania | Source King Michael I of Romania is on the royal wedding guest list. He is going to be accompanied by Princess Margareta, his older daughter. They are among thirty other foreign royalties that would attend the wedding ceremonies of Prince William and Kate Middleton. This event may bring back some dark memories from the time he, as a young king, got engaged. But instead of a royal wedding, as he and his fiance deserved, he was forced to abdicate, at the gunpoint. This tragic story did not take away his nobility. He became a stronger man and a king in exile, a father of five daughters, a patriot and an image of freedom. In 1992, few days before Easter, he comes back in Romania and is received with great enthusiasm by ordinary people and great reserve and fear by political dignitaries. In a cold April day he meets the Romanians gathered on University Plaza. I was there too.

Going through the mob to a platform set for the speech he reached out to us, touching our heads, hands or shoulders - the healing touch of the king. Michael as a child | Source King Michael's early years Michael first became King of Romania in 1927, when he was only six year old, following his grandfather’s reign. His father, Carol, was not a desirable king because his amorous adventures. Married to Elena, princess of Greece and Denmark, Carol could not commit to his public and private duties. Soon after his son Michael was born, in October 25, 1921, he fell in love with a beautiful girl from Moldavian bourgeoisie named Magda Lupescu. He abandoned his country and family and went to Paris to live with his girlfriend. Later, he came back and reign as a King and Dictator on a short, painful and embarrassing reign. Michael was just a kid when he was first proclaimed a king. But for three years, under the supervision of his uncle Nicolae, he learns his first lessons as a rulers. Those lessons would come in handy later on his life.

And so was his childhood crafted, under a strict regency, without a father and with a mother that was not allowed to be part of her son’s state affairs. The mother Qeen comes back King Michael I of Romania and his mother, Qeen Elena | Source The World War II Unfortunately for Michael and for Romanians, his father returned in 1930 and took control over the throne. Two years later his former wife, Princess Elena, was sent in exile. Michael was now alone. He was going to school, learning about cars and aeroplanes and the military art. He did not know what life had prepared for him. His father reign for ten years (1930 -1940) under the name of King Carol II. The spark of the World War II found him befriending Mussolini and Hitler. In 1938 he assumed dictatorial powers and draw Romania in war by Italy and Germany. That was disastrous for the country because Romania lost some precious territories and Carol was made responsible for it. Under the pressure from government, in 1940 he give up his powers in the hands of General Antonescu who becomes the head of stat.

Michael became king again with very limited attributes But things can only get worse when a dictator replaces another. Continuous political disagreements and military disasters made Antonescu’s regime very unpopular and fragile. It only lasted four years and through a coup, in 1944, Michael took the power. He broke the alliance with the Axe and tried to make new agreements with England, Russia and US. At that time it was late for the country, it’s fate being already sealed. It was to be abandoned as a war casualty to communist Russia. But few people knew it and among them was not Michael or his government. Over the next four years, he tried to stabilized the country and deal with communist army that was infiltrating in politics and economy. There was little he could do. The post war negotiations were painful. Officially, Romania was placed under the Alliance protection but that only meant a slow transition from a free country to a occupied one, under the political and military rule of Communist Russia. The wedding of king Michael of Romania with Princess Ana of Bourbon-Parma | Source The last of the Kings Michael I was still hopping to have successful life as a king, even if the beginning was harsh.

At the end of the war he was 24 years old and his position required him to start looking for a queen. The perfect occasion for this delicate task came in the fall of 1947, when King Michael of Romania was invited to another royal wedding: the marriage of princess Elisabeth, the heiress of the throne of England with Philip Mountbatten. He and his mother spend almost a month at London and that time he met and consolidated a relation with Ana, princess of Bourbon-Parma. It is said that was love at first sight. He was a handsome young men, she was a beautiful young lady. They decided to marry and made their relationship public. But he had to ask permission from Romanian government first which was almost a formality in the time of pace. So he haded back with big plans. But the cold winter of 1947 was reserving King Michael a big surprise. Instead of the chief of government meeting him at his return he was encountered by soldiers. The same night he arrived at his palace he was forced to abdicate at gunpoint. He took on the exile road. Michael was not a king anymore when he married princess Ana. But for her, he was the best man ever.

They were in love. They lived in many countries before settling in Switzerland. They have five daughters. The oldest one, Margareta, married with Radu Duda, will accompany her father, the King Michael I of Romania, to the royal wedding. King Michael I of Romania and Qeen Ana P.S. Today Romania is not a monarchy anymore. The country is a republic and has a president as a head of the state. Michael I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen is still considered a king by manypeople under the assumption thet his abdication was not legal. For me he is going to be King Michael I of Romania forever. Monarchs who abdicated | News | Expatica the Netherlands 26th April 2013, 0 comments The abdication of Dutch Queen Beatrix, 75, in favour of her son Willem-Alexander comes after a 33-year reign. The Netherlands has a history of abdications: Beatrix took over the throne on April 30, 1980, when her mother queen Juliana abdicated on the day of her 71st birthday.

Juliana herself took the throne in September 1948, after her mother, queen Wilhelmina, abdicated. Here is an account of the main abdications in the world over the past century: - BRITAIN: Edward VIII was forced to abdicate after only several months in power on December 12, 1936, in order to marry divorced American Wallis Simpson, thus avoiding a major constitutional crisis. His younger brother Albert took over the throne under the name of George VI in May 1937. He was the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II. - ROMANIA: Michael I was forced to abdicate by the communists in December 1947, before going into exile several months later. - ITALY: Victor-Emmanuel III, the king of Italy since 1900, abdicated on May 9, 1946 because of his collaboration with the fascist regime of dictator Benito Mussolini. His son, Umberto II, nicknamed the "May King", went into exile in June of the same year the day after a referendum setting up the republic.

- BELGIUM: King Leopold III, on the throne since 1934 but controversial because of some of his actions during World War II, abdicated on July 16, 1951 in favour of his son Baudouin I in order to avoid the possibility of major civil unrest after his return to the throne after six years in exile. - EGYPT: King Farouk I abdicated in July 1952 during the revolution led by Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser, 16 years after his accession to the throne. His son, Fuad II, succeeded him, but was forced to join his family in exile after the proclamation of the republic less than a year later in June 1953. - LUXEMBOURG: Grand Duke Jean abdicated on October 7, 2000 after a 36-year-reign, and his elder son, prince Henri, took his place. Jean had himself succeeded his mother, the grand duchess Charlotte, after her abdication in 1964.

- CAMBODIA: Norodom Sihanouk, 81, abdicated on October 7, 2004 after being treated in Beijing for cancer. Sihanouk, who came to the throne for the first time in 1941, had already abdicated in 1955, in favour of his father, before becoming again constitutional monarch in 1993. The constitutional council chose as his successor one of his sons, Prince Norodom Sihamoni. © 2013 AFP Balkan Prince and Kings Eldest son of Constantine I; from 1923 to 1935 Greece was a republic Paul Yet another son of Constantine I Constantine II Son of Paul; in exile after 1967, deposed in 1973 to create a republic Rulers of Romania 1859-66 Prince A native boyar, elected prince of both Wallachia and Moldavia, separately, so as to informally create a united country; forced to abdicate Carol I Prince Charles could become king...

of ROMANIA after revealing he is related to Vlad the Impaler | Daily Mail Online comments He is already the longest serving heir apparent in British history. So if Prince Charles ever gets too bored of waiting to accede to the throne, then he might just be tempted to have himself crowned King Carol 111 instead. Central European newspapers yesterday were alight with speculation that the Prince of Wales could be anointed the next King of Romania if the country’s monarchy is restored. Related: Speculation has mounted that Prince Charles could be crowned king of Romania after he revealed in a recent interview that he is related to bloodthirsty Romanian ruler Vlad the Impaler The last royal ruler, King Michael – who reigned from 1927 to 1930, and again from 1940 to 1947 - was forced to abdicate by the country’s new Communist leaders, who threatened to carry out mass executions if he refused to step down. Romania went on to endure decades of communist government, most notably under dictatorial party leader Nicolae Ceausescu who ruled the country with an iron fist from 1965 until he was deposed and executed in 1989.

Admittedly, it is unlikely that he will ever be a serious contender for the throne as the deposed King, Prince Michael, is still alive – albeit rather elderly at 90 – and has family of his own. Despite the reintroduction of democracy, in recent years there have been increasing calls for the monarchy to be restored. And after he revealed in an interview just a few weeks ago that he is related to historical Romanian ruler Vlad the Impaler – the bloodthirsty nobleman who inspired Dracula – Charles’s name has now, bizarrely, been thrown into the ring. Connections: Prince Charles further cemented his links with Romania when he held a private meeting with Romanian tourism minister Elena Uldrea at Clarence House last week But local newspapers have taken great pains to point out that as well as his ‘stake’ in the throne through his ancestor Vlad, Prince Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is also third cousin to the deposed King whose great-great-grandmother was Queen Victoria. The rumour mill went into further overdrive when the country’s powerful tourism and development minister, Elena Udrea, flew to London last week to meet with Charles at Clarence House.

The meeting was not publicised in advance, although pictures were subsequently released, and the glamorous Udrea subsequently spoke of her host in glowing terms and said Romanians should be more like Charles and ‘appreciate the country they live in’. Links: Queen Elizabeth met Romanian President Ion Iliescu, at Buckingham Palace in 2004 (left) - but her ties with the monarchy are stronger - she is third cousin to Romania's King Michael (right) who reigned from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947 - but was forced to abdicate by the country's new Communist leaders Newspapers have even gone so far as to speculate that Charles could give up the British throne in favour of his popular eldest son and heir, Prince William, to become the next King of Romania instead. They say the suggestion has such currency it is the reason its rattled president, Traian Băsescu, has launched a series of attacks on the former King Michael and the monarchy in general.

Iron fist: Romania endured decades of communist government, most notably under Nicolae Ceausescu who ruled from 1965 until he was deposed and executed in 1989 Intriguingly Charles is incredibly passionate about Romania. Indeed, he loves the area around the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania so much that he has bought a holiday home in the region and recently said in an interview: ‘The genealogy shows I am descended from Vlad the Impaler, so I do have a bit of a stake in the country.’ Charles secretly bought the simple, white-washed property in the heritage site of Viscri in 2005 with the help of the Mihai Eminescu Trust, a British-based charity which works to preserve Romania's historic Saxon villages from destruction, of which he is patron. He paid £18,000 for the three-bedroomed, 18th Century farmhouse. Viscri lies in a picturesque valley in the heart of Transylvania, north-west of Brasov, and is comprised of men and women of mainly of Romanian and gypsy origin. It has already won many of Europe's highest awards for cultural restoration and economic regeneration.

Charles has visited the village several times and is so taken with the simplicity of local life that he holidays there each summer. He and his security team sleep in the traditional white-washed village house - complete with wooden truckle beds and outside toilets - and drink locally-pressed organic apple juice. The house is rented out to overseas tourists when the prince is not in residence. Clarence House last night confirmed the prince had a meeting with the Romanian minister but declined to be drawn on the nature of their conversations. A spokesman did, however, say the prince was very fond of the country and pointed out that he already owned properties in the region. But senior royal sources have dismissed the speculation as ‘ridiculous’.

Passionate: Charles paid £18,000 for this property in the heritage site of Viscri in 2005, and has since holidayed there every year Romania Time Line Chronological Timetable of Events - Worldatlas.com (1914) Romania fought on Allied side in WWI (1916) Germany and Bulgaria declared war on Romania (1919) Transylvania along with other surrounding lands, nearly doubled the size of Romania they became a part the country (1938) King Carol II established dictatorship (1939) WWII began (1940) With signing of German-Soviet pact, Romania ceded territory to Hungary and USSR; General Ion Antonescu forced King Carol to abdicate (1941) Romania fought on the German side against Soviet Union in WWII (1944) Antonescu ousted; Romania switched sides as Soviet forces moved in (1947) Romania regained Transylvania, lost it to Soviet Union; King Michael abdicated; Romania officially became a Communist country (1955) Romania joined Warsaw Pact (1965) Nicolae Ceausecu became Romanian Communist Party Leader; new Romanian constitution stressed the

 nation's control over its own affairs (1977) Bucharest earthquake killed about 1,500 people and around $1 billion dollars in damage in Romania (1985 - 1986) Food shortages, power outages caused by austerity program (1987) Army crushed workers' demonstrations in Brasov, occupied power plants (1989) Demonstrations in Timisoara triggered national uprising (1989) Ceausecu and wife tried to flee country, caught, executed on Christmas Day (1990) Ion Iliescu confirmed as head of state; Prime Minister Petre Roman embarked on new government reform program (1991) Riots by striking miners forced Roman's resignation; replaced by Theodor Stolojan (1992) Iliescu re-elected president

Question: King Michael abdicated which country's throne in 1947?
Answer: Romania